Adult pigeons are ubiquitous, yet their young are rarely, if ever, seen. This absence sparks curiosity about these familiar city birds. The mystery surrounding baby pigeons, known as squabs, stems from their nesting habits, appearance during development, and rapid growth before leaving the nest.
Hidden Nesting Sites
Pigeons, descended from wild rock doves, instinctively seek environments mimicking ancestral cliff dwellings. In urban settings, this translates to a preference for sheltered, elevated, and enclosed spaces within human infrastructure. They build nests in discreet locations, such as ledges of tall buildings, under bridges, inside abandoned structures, or within ventilation systems. These sites offer protection from predators and weather, keeping vulnerable squabs out of public view.
Pigeon nests are typically simple, flimsy platforms of twigs and debris. Pigeons often reuse these nests, which can lead to them becoming more substantial over time with accumulated materials. This habit entrenches nesting activities in locations difficult for humans to access, ensuring the privacy of their offspring until they fledge.
The Appearance of Young Pigeons
When pigeon squabs hatch, they are altricial, undeveloped and entirely dependent on parents. Newborn squabs appear different from fluffy chicks of other bird species. They are typically blind, with pink or grayish skin that is naked or sparsely covered with stringy, yellowish down. Their eyes remain closed for about five days.
Squabs possess disproportionately large beaks and feet, an appearance many might not associate with a “baby bird.” This contributes to why they are not recognized as young birds if sighted prematurely outside the nest. Their visual characteristics are a significant reason they remain unnoticed.
Rapid Development and Fledging
Pigeon squabs undergo rapid growth while hidden in the nest. They gain weight quickly, increasing mass by 4 to 8 grams daily, and up to 20 grams within a week. This fast growth ensures they become robust in a short timeframe.
Squabs typically stay in the nest for 25 to 32 days, sometimes up to 45 days in colder conditions. By the time they fledge, they are nearly adult-sized and fully feathered. Subtle differences, like a duller cere or less iridescent neck feathers, are often unnoticeable to the untrained eye, making it difficult to differentiate a fledgling from a mature pigeon.